Description - Fort McKavett State Historical Park, 79.5 acres, was acquired and purchased from December 1967, through the mid-1970s, by deeds from Fort McKavett Restoration, Inc., Menard County and private individuals. Some property structures were acquired through condemnation. The park was opened to be public in 1968.

Originally called Camp San Saba because it overlooks the headwaters of the San Saba River Valley, it was established by five companies of the Eighth Infantry in March of 1852 to protect frontier settlers and travelers on Upper El Paso Road. The camp was later renamed for Capt. Henry McKavett, killed at, the battle of Monterey on September 21, 1846. The fort was abandoned March 1859 and reoccupied April 1868. By 1880, the fort was no longer needed and was abandoned June 30, 1883. Fort McKavett was once called by General William T. Sherman "the prettiest post in Texas."

The park is day-use only and offers guided group tours ( tour fees apply).Fort McKavett is open Friday through Monday and closed Tuesday through Thursday. Additionally the park hosts an Annual Living History Event in March which in past participation has included Fort Concho's Cavalry, Infantry, and Laundresses groups; Fort Stockton's Infantry and Laundresses groups; Fort Griffin's Topographical Engineers; and Lubbock's Memorial Fourth Cavalry along with several other military reenactors from around the state. There have been several civilian reenactors portraying Texas Rangers, buffalo hunters, 1880s Saddletramps, and sutlers.

Attractions
- Attractions include natural springs, over 25 restored historical buildings including ruins, 15 roofed, and some refurnished. Restored buildings include the 1870 hospital which houses the interpretive center and restrooms; an officers' quarters; a school house; a barracks; the post headquarters; a bakery; a deadhouse; and sinks. The site hosts scheduled living history programs.

Wildlife for observation and photography include white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoon, armadillo, and squirrel, especially along the historical trail.

Facilities include picnic tables, grills, and drinking water. The park offers a Texas State Park Store and a 1/2-mile nature/interpretive trail to Government Springs/lime kiln.

Other parks nearby include South Llano River State Park, near Junction, Caverns of Sonora, 16 miles west of Sonora; Ruins of Presidio De San Saba on Highway 190 just west of Menard; and Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo along with San Angelo State Park in San Angelo.

For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities offered by the Fort McKavett State Historical Park includes exhibits on history, natural history, and nature study on a nature trail, historic ruins, picnicking and historic site tours and special events.

Climate - The Fort McKavett State Historical Park is located at an elevation of 2155 feet. Temperatures within the park range from an average January minimum of 29 degrees and a July maximum temperature of 95 degrees. There is an average annual rainfall of 22.2 inches. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location -
The Fort McKavett State Historical Park is situated within the San Angelo area of Texas. The park is located 23 miles west of Menard. Take US Highway 190 west of Menard for 17 miles, then go south on FM 864 for 6 miles to the park.

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Additional Information:Hill Country - The Hill Country region is located in central Texas. Because of its hilly scenery, this is one of the more popular areas in Texas for outdoor recreation.Texas Historic Sites -